Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup

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When a nip hits the air, and you’re ready for soup, this copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup hits the spot. Its creamy texture is silky smooth and delicious. The spices give it a fall flavor—full of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of pepper. And the curry will warm you from the inside out.

This Panera butternut squash soup is perfect for sitting in front of a fire with your favorite blanket and a book! The yellow color and thick texture say fall has arrived. It’s a hearty meal that works well with bread and salad.

I received free produce from Melissa’s produce and light brown sugar provided by Dixie Crystals; but the opinions on the deliciousness of this soup and these products are entirely my own!

I am thrilled to be joining many other bloggers for Fall Flavors Week this week, be sure to enter for a chance to win one of the amazing prizes provided by our sponsors at the end of the post. Check out all of my posts from this fun week; Fall Charcuterie Board, Gluten-Free Apple Pie, Graham Cracker Crumble, and this easy Pear Bundt cake.

If you are a soup lover like us, you will love these reader and family favorites; like this Creamy Poblano Chicken Soup, another winning Panera recipe Broccoli Cheese Soup and this Chicken & Wild Rice Soup!

Are you looking for something for a fall party? This autumn squash soup fits the bill. It’s easy to make and is always a big hit! You can control the level of spice to meet your needs. It works for both lunch or dinner!

Panera Autumn Squash Soup is also wonderful for a romantic dinner. It can be sophisticated or countrified depending on the dishes you choose to serve. So break out the candles and set the table for this scrumptious soup.

Primary Ingredients

• Butternut squash |  The heart of this recipe, providing the fall flavor and color, this delicious squash is from Melissa’s Produce.
• Vegetable broth | It adds the perfect flavor and you can substitute beef or chicken broth.
• Pumpkin puree | Not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling. It provides a natural sweetness that is a beautiful compliment to the squash.
• Apple Juice or Apple Cider | The secret ingredient! Adds a delicious sweetness, naturally! Not to be confused with apple cider vinegar!
• Spices & Seasonings | A combination of fresh ginger, cinnamon, kosher salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg gives the dish a kick of flavor. 
• Cream Cheese | The best secret to making this autumn squash soup rich and smooth is the cream cheese.  
• Brown Sugar | Using Dixie Crystals brown sugar is a must because it adds the right amount of sweetness and it’s non-GMO! WHOOT!
• Chili Pepitas | Also called pumpkin seeds are made with cayenne pepper, olive oil, salt, and raw pepitas, they add a nice crunch. 

Instructions

Full list of measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of this post.

Step 1 | How to Cut Butternut Squash

Wash squash and dry, using a sharp knife on a sturdy cutting board, slice off the ends of the squash. Using a Y Peeler or regular vegetable peeler, peel away the tough skin of the squash.

Cut the squash in half, then again in quarters to reveal the seeds and “guts” of the squash. Using a grapefruit spoon or regular sharper spoon, scoop out the seeds.

Using a large sharp knife, chop the butternut squash into 1 inch cubes.

Step 2 | Making Autumn Squash Soup

In a large pot, heat the oil and add the shallots and saute for a few minutes.

Add the squash, carrots, salt, and pepper, cooking and stirring until the veggies soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Mix in the garlic, ginger, brown sugar, curry powder, and cook until the veggies begin to caramelize.

Add the water, broth, and apple juice to the pan and bring to a boil.

Simmer the soup until the squash can easily be pierced with a fork.

Remove from the heat. Stir in butter, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, and brown sugar.

Prepare the Chili Pepitaas by adding to a hot pan with melted butter or oil. Sprinkle with salt and chili powder. Cook until they begin to pop and stir constantly.

Puree with an immersion blender or high speed blender until smooth and creamy, or see notes below for silky smooth butternut squash soup. Making Autumn Squash soup in your Vitamix makes it so easy!

TFC Pro Tips

• Pro Tip 1 | A silkier, smoother butternut squash soup using a Vitamix. A high speed blender such as a Vitamix or Blendtec have better motors and blades than your average blender, it is worth the investment. Try this Potato Leek Soup too!
• Pro Tip 2 | You can garnish the soup with freshly grated nutmeg. If you love creamy textures, try a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche before serving and definitely some toasted Chile Pepitas!
• Pro Tip 3 | Panera Autumn Squash Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months! This silicone freezer tray is a great way to keep your soup for later, plus it’s best to leave the cream out if you are planning on freezing.
• Pro Tip 4 | To achieve the same silkiness as Panera, I recommend using a high speed blender and if necessary, puree in batches. Do not fill more than half way on a regular blender, this can cause the top to explode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Equipment Recommendations

You can easily make this soup using equipment you have around your kitchen, but here are a few that might make this soup even easier.

• Heavy Bottomed Soup Pot | I like this Calphalon pot, for even heating and it doesn’t break the bank.
• Sharp Knife, Y Peeler and a cutting board, this helps to cut that butternut squash easier.
• Immersion blender, regular blender or a high-speed blender | these tools help get the job done.

More Fantastic Fall Flavor Recipes 

Panera Autumn Squash Soup pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas that you will love to try!

• Wild Rice Harvest Salad
• Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Rolls
• Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread
• Pumpkin Spice Honey Bun Cake
• Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Check out ALL of the fantastic fall flavor recipes at the end of this post!

Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and comment below the recipe!

More #FallFlavors Recipes Below:

Appetizers and Snacks

• Caramel Pecan Clusters from An Affair from the Heart
• Carrot Top Hummus from Savory Moments
• Fall Charcuterie Board from Magical Ingredients
• Roasted Red Pepper and Crab Savory Cheesecake from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Sweet And Spicy Roasted Nuts from Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Breakfast and Baked Goods

• Apple Cranberry Pecan Overnight Oats from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Cinnamon Apple Bread from Lemon Blossoms
• Sweet Potato Pancakes from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Soups and Salads

• Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup from Devour Dinner
• Panera Autumn Squash Soup from The Fresh Cooky
• Salmon Salad With Grapes And Pecans from Art of Natural Living

Side Dishes

• Apple Butter Dijon Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Candied Pecans And Green Apple from Soulfully Made
• Butternut Squash And Bacon Risotto from SueBee Homemaker
• Loaded Bacon And Kale Salad from Palatable Pastime
• Roasted Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts And Butternut Squash from Eat Move Make
• Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash from Hostess At Heart

Main Dishes

Welcome to #FallFlavors where more than 25 food bloggers are sharing recipes with favorite Fall flavors. Our sponsors, Millican Pecan, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Nairn’s, and Republic of Tea, have furnished participating bloggers with complimentary product to use in their recipe creations that they will be sharing this week. These same sponsors have generously offered prizes for our giveaway so be sure to enter and share with your friends so they can enter too. Be sure to follow our Fall Flavors Pinterest account for more inspiration.

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The Millican Pecan Texas Pecan Candy Basket is loaded with a variety of pecan gifts. Includes 6 Milk Chocolate Pecan Clusters, 6 Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles), 6 White Chocolate Caramillicans, 6 Pecan Pralines, and a 1/2 lb. Bag of Flavored Pecans! Every bit DELICIOUS! A $75 value.

Prize 2: Williams Sonoma Cleartouch Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set from Dixie Crystals

Perfect for the occasional baker, our entry-level collection features a sturdy nonstick silicone coating at a great value. Aluminized steel, the material of choice for professional bakers, provides excellent heat transfer for even baking, so food turns out beautifully and releases easily, every time. 6-Piece Set includes: Half-sheet pan, 12-cup muffin pan, round cake pan, square cake pan, rectangular cake pan, loaf pan. An $80 value.

Prize 3: 3 Month Melissa’s Produce Gift Subscription

A stunning selection of the most delicious produce will be delivered once a month for 3 months. At Melissa’s, the produce is selected at their peak of perfection and packed by hand to ensure safe arrival. A $124 value.

Prize 4: A Red Dancing Leaves Teapot and a tin of Hot Apple Cider Tea from The Republic of Tea

Let the aroma of fresh apple and mulled cider spices envelop you as you sip this golden infusion. The crisp, lingering finish will leave you wanting more! A naturally-caffeine free blend of apples, cinnamon cloves and ginger. Reminiscent of apple cider, with the luscious aroma of cinnamon and cloves, make this cup the perfect accompaniment to the colors of the harvest season.

Embossed, windswept leaves whirl across this 20 oz ceramic teapot. Includes a stainless steel infuser. An exclusive design by The Republic of Tea. A $44 value

Prize 5: A selection of six flavors of Oat Crackers from Nairn’s

One winner will receive a box of each Nairn’s Original, Chocolate Chip, Stem Ginger Oat Grahams, Caramelized Onions, Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads, and Oat Cracker. Nairn’s has been baking oats since 1896. They use simple, natural, and wholesome ingredients in their products. Minimum $25 value

Prize 6: A Selection of extracts from Taylor and Colledge.

One winner will receive a selection of extracts to include vanilla bean, almond, lemon, and lavender. In 1897, Taylor & Colledge won its first award for excellence in vanilla. Since then, the Taylor & Colledge commitment for unsurpassed quality has earned its reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of vanilla. Minimum of $25 value

Six (6) winners will be randomly selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #FallFlavors bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway and the contest is open only to US residents. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #FallFlavors posts or entries. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan Company, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Republic of Tea, and Nairn’s for providing prizes.